World report

From Wire Reports

Published Sunday, January 21, 2007

Abbas-Mashaal meeting postponed

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Key talks on forming a Palestinian unity government and ending deadly infighting were canceled Saturday night, dimming expectations for a planned meeting between the Palestinian president and the exiled leader of Hamas militants.

"The meeting was postponed until tomorrow (at the earliest). We hope that it will be held," Izzat Rashaq, a member of Hamas' politburo, told The Associated Press.

Rashaq said further preliminary negotiations were needed to resolve differences over forming a coalition government before Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal could meet.

The vessel was heading to the oil port of Warri with a crew of 14 when unidentified gunmen boarded and took away the six non-Nigerians, Delta state spokesman Ozoene Sheddy said. Initial reports said seven foreigners were taken, but that proved incorrect, Sheddy said.

Militants seeking to pressure the government into giving more local control over oil resources have stepped up kidnappings since launching attacks on facilities that have cut oil exports.

Premier: U.S. wants radar base in Czech Republic

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- The United States has asked the Czech Republic to host a radar base that would be part of a global missile defense system, the prime minister announced Saturday, drawing a warning from Russia of retaliatory actions.

U.S. officials contend the system could defend Europe against intercontinental missiles fired by states such as Iran and North Korea. But the Kremlin warned that the military balance in Europe could be at stake and said the development risked a new arms race.

Independent defense experts have said the ground-based missile defense system is still years from being able to protect against long-range missile attacks.

Prince Charles cancels ski trip in emissions row

LONDON -- Prince Charles canceled a traditional skiing holiday in a bid to reduce his carbon footprint, his office said Saturday. The decision came a day after campaigners and a government minister criticized his decision to fly to New York to collect an award for work on environmental issues.

Environment Secretary David Miliband expressed reservations Friday about the heir to the British throne traveling to the U.S. for the ceremony, while advocacy groups urged the prince to use a video link instead.